The last time we saw Kids In Glass Houses, they were playing a sold out Galvanizers at SWG3 in celebration of the 15th anniversary of their classic album ‘Smart Casual’.
It was an absolutely triumphant return from the Cardiff pop punksters and has returned dividends in new album ‘Pink Flamingo’. Tonight they’ve joined forces with Assai records to launch that album with an intimate show at St Luke’s and we’re there to see it.
Another of these one band bills where the ticket comes as part of a bundle with the physical album… every time I see it, I love the concept more and more. We have a room that’s packed with people who you know already have the new album – and on a night where Biffy Clyro are playing across the road, packing out a room anywhere is an accomplishment.
Kids In Glass Houses come on to a very personalised voiceover – tailored to Glasgow, including the now iconic “Here we fucking go” chant – and rapturous applause and cheering. Opener ‘Theme From Pink Flamingo’ – which is also the opener of the new album – sounds fresh and clean. The whole new Pink Flamingo album is a change in direction with an 80s synth pop feel but we’ll get to that in a minute.
Frontman Aled Phillips continues to be one of the best showmen in the business with not only an excellent pair of trousers, but dance moves that just don’t quit. Seriously, this man is moving with the grace of Fred Astaire and it goes on for the whole set. This can make the performance from from the other members seem muted, but you can’t take your eyes off Aled so that doesn’t matter much. While we’re on the subject of the visuals of this show… bravo the lighting dude… best lights I’ve seen in this abandoned church.
So onto the change of sound for this album. Kids In Glass Houses were one of the top homegrown pop punk bands of the time. It would have been easy for them to bounce back with their anniversary tour with a new album full of cookie cutter déjà vu. But they’ve taken the high road and written music that they want to write 15 years after they made it. It makes sense that it’s completely different and brave that they’ve not just done what would make a quick buck from loyal fans. Pink Flamingo is a collection of pop synth rock that drags the 80s into the modern day and makes you unafraid to dance like no one’s watching. And it blends remarkably well with the old stuff.
“Can I trust you?” Aled Phillips shouts as he lends the chorus of one of the new numbers. Of course he could as the words are belted back to him. The older hits will always get the rowdier responses, but the new ones have undeniable excitement and love about them. Staying true to themselves is a gamble that seems to have definitely paid off.
Photos by Catching Light Photography
Catching Light Photography
- Tom Meighan / The Capollos - 16 December 2024
- Me First And The Gimme Gimmes - 9 December 2024
- Anthrax Vs Kreator / Testament - 29 November 2024